Glossary

Deutsch: Gesamtlänge / Español: Longitud total / Português: Comprimento total / Français: Longueur hors-tout / Italiano: Lunghezza totale /

Length overall (LOA) means the maximum length of a vessel's hull measured parallel to the waterline, usually measured on the hull alone, and including overhanging ends that extend beyond the main bow and main stern perpendicular members.

For sailing vessels, this may exclude the bowsprit and other fittings added to the hull, but sometimes bowsprits are included.

This length is important while docking of the ship. It is the most commonly used way of expressing the size of a boat, and is also used for calculating the cost of being in a marina or port.

Description

In maritime terminology, the Length Overall (LOA) of a vessel is the maximum length of the vessel measured from the foremost point of the hull to the aftmost point of the hull. This measurement includes all protrusions such as bowsprits or swim platforms, but does not include items such as anchors or booms that can be detached.

The LOA is an important measurement for several reasons, including determining the size of a vessel for docking or storage purposes. It is also used in calculations for stability and maneuverability of a vessel. Knowing the LOA is crucial for designing and building vessels that meet safety regulations and perform optimally.

When discussing the LOA of a vessel, it is common to also mention the Length Between Perpendiculars (LBP), which is the length of the vessel along the waterline from the forward side of the stem to the axis of the rudder post. The difference between the LOA and the LBP can vary depending on the design and purpose of the vessel.

In the maritime industry, accurate measurements of a vessel's LOA are essential for various transactions and operations, including charter agreements, insurance policies, and port fees. It is important for shipowners, operators, and port authorities to have a clear understanding of a vessel's LOA to ensure that it is being properly accommodated and managed.

Overall, the Length Overall of a vessel is a critical measurement that impacts many aspects of maritime operations and regulations. Understanding and accurately measuring the LOA of a vessel is essential for ensuring safe and efficient maritime activities.

Application Areas

• Ship design and construction
• Port clearance and docking requirements
• Vessel registration and documentation
• Navigation and route planning
• Cargo capacity and weight distribution

Well-Known Examples

• Ship design: the total length of a vessel from the foremost point of the bow to the aftermost point of the stern.
• Port regulations: used to determine the fees and charges associated with docking and berthing a ship.
• Safety regulations: helps in determining the minimum distance needed between ships to prevent collisions.
• Insurance purposes: insurers use the length overall to assess risk and calculate premiums for the vessel.

Treatment and Risks

• Incorrect measurement of length overall can lead to safety hazards during navigation and docking.
• Inaccurate length overall information can result in port clearance issues and delays in operations.
• Proper documentation and verification of the length overall is essential to comply with international maritime regulations.
• Regular inspections and maintenance of the hull are necessary to ensure the accuracy of the length overall measurement.

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• LOA (Length Overall)
• Overall length
• Max length
• Hull length

Weblinks

marineinsight.com (Definition of Length Overall of Ship)
irclass.org (Explanation of Overall Length)
motorship.com (Article on Length Overall of Ships)

Summary

The 'Length overall' in the maritime context is a crucial measurement that determines the maximum length of a ship from the foremost point of the stem to the aftermost point of the stern. It is used in ship design, construction, navigation, and compliance with regulations. The accurate measurement of length overall is essential for safe operation and efficient maritime transportation.

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